A couple of weeks ago Jim and I went to our favorite local hardware store to have a key made or pick up a new sink trap or A/C filter. I love going there because the folks are so helpful in finding things, and because over 1/3 of the shop is dedicated to cooking! Yep, that’s where I picked up Margie’s quiche pans.
And while we were on our way out I saw this gorgeous hardcover book with photos of Spain (I’ve never been) and a PBS show with a most unlikely duo, Mario Batali and Gwyneth Paltrow. Now, I’ve been a fan of both for years but just never thought I’d see them on the same book jacket. When one sees Mario he’s inevitably expounding upon the regional cuisines of Italy, wearing his chef coat, shorts and clogs.
When one sees Gyweneth Paltrow, one doesn’t necessarily think “food.” Well, I awakened with a sore throat at 2:00 this morning and after sitting up and taking a throat lozenge, I turned on PBS with no sound and found Gwyneth Paltrow, Mark Bittman and Claudia Bassois at the Alhambra palace eating persimmons.
Back to hardware. The gentleman at the shop told me about the cookbook, the show and that it would be back on PBS in January after their holiday money-raising marathon. Yes, it is public television and this show makes me want to support public television but spare myself the marathon and “free” mug.
It also makes me want to keep supporting our local hardware/cooking store and perhaps take a sojourn to Spain. Not that I think Bittman or Batali would offer to show me around, but I’d feel bad going with Jim because so much of Spain is seafood and he’s allergic to anything that swims.
While we’re not celebrating Christmas here, Jim’s birthday is the 23rd and, like his family, I like to make it special because it is easily absorbed into the holiday season. Hopefully he’ll be back at work, and we have an event that evening, so I’ll have to think of something. Most spouses would be touched by a homemade breakfast of bacon and eggs, huevos rancheros or an omelet but I do that for him every morning. I’ll think of something. No, I’ll bet Gwyneth Paltrow has other plans for the day that do not include SE Texas. Good try, though.
Next time I’m at my local haunt I’ll check out the book more thoroughly to see if it’s an appropriate addition to my overstuffed cookbook shelves. I definitely want to visit the Alhambra and learn more of Spain. Tapas, anyone? Paella?
Cooking with Dee 
Jim says it’s the thought that counts. Getting him Gwyneth Paltrow for his birthday, that is. I’m off the hook now! Dee